School wants to help foundation

Smokey Mountain Elementary seventh-grade students will help the Tye Blanton Foundation through their “Service to Others” project.

Tye, who died after a four-and-a-half month battle in Neo-natal ICU, was the son of slain Highway Patrol Trooper Shawn Blanton and his wife, Michaela.

Smokey Mountain students and their families collected clothing and other items that would be used for premature babies and their families at Mission Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care. The school is also planning a blood drive in memory of Trooper Blanton, who was a student there. www.tyeblanton.com.